Nexthaler resistance on breathing in

[Logo132]

I’ve started to use a nexthaler. Before that I used a regular aerosol. I’ve noticed that when I breathe in, there seems to be some resistance from the device and that I have to work harder to breathe it in. Can you tell me whether this is normal or whether the divide could be faulty

[Poobah]

Every dry powder inhaler has a different design and some are easier to inhale than others. I'm on NEXThaler and do breathing exercises using a hand held resistance device in order to strengthen my inhalation technique. The respiratory physiotherapist also showed me that I have poor breathing technique and gave me additional exercises - when I took my inhaler I was raising my shoulders and pulling in my diaphragm. Strictly, fully exhale using diaphragm then, keeping shoulders down, inhale medication sharply and for as long as possible, making sure diaphragm is extended to allow full breath. I really have to focus as I still tend to default to raised shoulders and shallow breaths if I don't concentrate when taking my inhalers.

Unfortunately, with DPIs the patient has to do all the work. My favourite were the old models that took capsules that were loaded then pierced - they had a very good design that allowed air through the device easily. Looking at the NEXThaler it's not clear how that's achieved as it appears to be a closed device which hampers inhalation, that's what it feels like to me and it certainly takes a good technique to make the most of it.

[starveycat]

There is a short video showing the correct way to use it good luck